Johnson keeps chugging along

If this were a normal week, two-time major winner Zach Johnson would likely be your third-round leader of the Sony Open in Hawaii. But there’s nothing normal about what true leader Justin Thomas is doing to the Waialae Country Club course the first three days of this PGA Tour event.

During Thursday’s opening round, Johnson was 1 over on his first 16 holes and was tied for 74th after opening with a dangerously average 69, 10 strokes in back of Thomas’ torrid pace. But over Johnson’s last 38 holes, the 2009 Sony Open champion played like it, going 16 under to sit alone in second at 15-under 205, some seven shots off the pace.

He and Justin Rose (66—206) join Thomas in today’s final pairing. Rose is tied for third with Gary Woodland (68—206) and Hudson Swafford (66—206). These are the only golfers who have much of a chance of tracking down Thomas.

Still, Johnson will know what it will take to win having Thomas in his sights for the final day of the first full-field event of the calendar year. Thomas is trying to win both Hawaii events back-to-back for the first time since Ernie Els turned that trick in 2003. Since no one has blown a seven-shot lead in tour history, Johnson knows it’s unlikely he will track down the 23-year-old Thomas.

“Today was very consistent,” Johnson said. “It was very similar to yesterday. I just didn’t put myself in trouble and gave myself a good number of opportunities. No bogeys on the card the last two days. I’m very encouraged.”

Johnson had a shot at a little history himself on Friday, trying to become the first golfer in tour history to shoot 60 three times. Had Johnson eagled at the par-5 ninth (his 18th), he would have joined an exclusive club of one. As it was, he carded one eagle and seven birdies in the bogey-free round to propel himself into contention.

Saturday’s round wasn’t as spectacular, but much like Johnson here at Waialae over the years, he shot a steady 65. His double bogey at the par-4 16th was his last hole over par. He and Rose, who were paired together on Saturday, talked about Thomas’ round and how great golfers can get into a zone and do great things. But never say never. Anything can happen in golf.

“I’ve seen it,” Johnson said. “We’ve all seen it at every level. You never know. I’ve got to stick to what I’m doing. Get the ball in the fairway, hit some greens, making some putts. I’d rather be in his position without question. But you never know. In those nine wins (by Johnson) or whatever, I know what I did and I just went out and played and I’m going to try to do that tomorrow.”